Nearly every week this spring sees a new album from the kind of superstars who normally reserve their releases for the fourth quarter. This week, it's guitar slinger Brad Paisley, with his provocative Wheelhouse.

Last week, country albums held five of the top 20 spots on Billboard's album chart. Between last Tuesday's release of the Band Perry's Pioneer and Sunday night's Academy of Country Music Awards, country acts should continue to show strength on this week's chart.

There's more to come, too, including titles from Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney and Lady Antebellum, along with the solo debut of the Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines, a group effort from Miranda Lambert's Pistol Annies and the 40th studio album from George Strait.

THE VISIONARY: Brad Paisley

With past singles like Welcome to the Future and Online, Paisley has proved himself to be one of country's most topical, forward-thinking enthusiasts. Wheelhouse, out Tuesday, is the most adventuresome album of a recording career that dates back to 1999, as he offers personal takes on religion, race relations and cultural isolationism.

When the Merry Go 'Round singer/songwriter entered Billboard's country album chart at No. 1 last month with debut Same Trailer, Different Park, she became the first solo woman in five years to accomplish the feat.

THE LEGEND: Willie Nelson

The graying redheaded stranger turns 80 on April 30. Still prolific, he releases a new standards collection, Let's Face the Music and Dance, on April 16.

THE STADIUM FILLER: Kenny Chesney

East Tennessee's favorite island boy raises his pirate flag at football fields across the country as part of this year's No Shoes Nation tour. New album Life on a Rock arrives April 30.

THE CROSSOVER: Lady Antebellum

The country-pop trio calls Golden, out May 7, its "roll down the windows" album. Lead single Downtown sports a catchy guitar hook and a stripped-down groove.

THE TV STAR: Blake Shelton

The Voice coach also co-hosted the ACM Awards. His Based on a True Story … album made its debut atop Billboard's country chart last week.